Signs of trauma in women can include dissociation. In these situations, she may not remember her self-destructive behaviors from an earlier time. She may not be aware of how she got into a particular situation or place. She may be unable to account for periods of time in her week.
Outcomes of Trauma Exposure
Women's experiences of trauma have been linked to a variety of negative mental health consequences, including especially PTSD (4). Estimates from community studies suggest that women experience PTSD at two to three times the rate that men do (4).
Some common signs that someone is struggling with emotional trauma include: Avoidance of people or places associated with the traumatic event. Intrusive thoughts or memories about the event.
Traumatic reactions can include a variety of responses, such as intense and ongoing emotional upset, depressive symptoms or anxiety, behavioral changes, difficulties with self-regulation, problems relating to others or forming attachments, regression or loss of previously acquired skills, attention and academic ...
Trauma happens to everyone.
Many do not realize they have had a traumatic experience because most believe “a trauma” is only something dramatic or changes their world entirely. But trauma can be big (large “T”) or little (“small “t”). Both of these forms of trauma can impact the way you see yourself and the world.
Emotional Symptoms of Trauma
Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks related to the traumatic event. Intense feelings of fear, anxiety, or panic. Avoidance of reminders or triggers associated with the trauma. Hypervigilance or being constantly on guard for potential threats.
The effects of trauma may never completely go away, but we can help make them more manageable.
Women may experience more internal symptoms, such as feeling down and anxious, compared to men who sometimes have more struggles with anger or substance abuse (VA, n.d.) Stronger startle response. Women with PTSD may seem more on edge, being startled more easily or reacting stronger when startled. More avoidance.
Still, patience and understanding are key elements in any successful relationship. This is true even when you're dating someone with PTSD from abuse or another cause. Let your partner know that you'd like to be there for them, and that it's important for you to understand them, but you're having trouble relating.
Sexual abuse is the most common form of trauma for women. A national survey found that an alarming 68 percent of women reported having been harassed in public by strangers, which can include catcalling (offensive or sexual comments), inappropriate verbal gestures or whistling, gawking, indecent exposure, or stalking.
Talking about the trauma can be important
Allow the person to talk about what happened, even if they become upset. Just be calm yourself and listen carefully – getting upset too doesn't help. Don't insist on talking if the person doesn't want to. They may need time to be alone with their thoughts.
Physical Signs of Unhealed Trauma
You may also be extremely alert because you are constantly looking for the next potential danger. Furthermore, you may be unable to sleep through the night, leading to excessive fatigue or feeling exhausted.
If you can recall times when you've overreacted, and perhaps have even been surprised at your own reactions, this may be a sign of trauma. It's not uncommon for people suffering from emotional trauma to have feelings of shame and self-blame.
Below are some of the most common signs that someone is suffering from unresolved trauma: Anxiety or panic attacks that occur in what would be considered normal situations. A feeling of shame; an innate feeling that they are bad, worthless, or without importance. Suffering from chronic or ongoing depression.
Some unpleasant experiences produce permanent changes in the brain and corresponding shifts in intelligence, emotional reactivity, happiness, sociability, and other traits that used to be thought of as set for life.
Fear and Anxiety
Anxiety is a common and natural response to a dangerous situation. For many people it lasts long after the trauma has ended. This happens when one's views of the world and sense of safety have changed and become more negative. You may become anxious when you remember the trauma.
Triggers can include sights, sounds, smells, or thoughts that remind you of the traumatic event in some way. Some PTSD triggers are obvious, such as seeing a news report of an assault. Others are less clear. For example, if you were attacked on a sunny day, seeing a bright blue sky might make you upset.
People who go through a traumatic experience go through a lot of mental and physical stress that can make it hard for them to recover without professional help. Drama on the other hand consists of our personal reaction to things and the way that we interpret events that aren't objectively painful.
Relationships are complicated, and sometimes, the situation calls for maintaining a relationship with a person who caused trauma. Consider doing so only after you know you can be physically safe. And remember, if the situation gets worse, don't hesitate to do what you need to do to maintain safety.
Signs of Trauma. “Trauma is different for everyone,” Choi says. But two of the more common reactions, she says, are feeling very strong emotions or feeling little. “You might have overwhelming negative emotions or not be able to stop crying.
Gambling, reckless driving, unsafe sexual behaviors, extreme drinking, and the use of weapons are all examples of what risky behavior can look like in those with PTSD. It is likely that gender plays a role in who develops the risky behavior symptom of PTSD.